Ali Day’s final Shaw and Partners Iron Series is off to the strongest possible start, with the 35 year old ironman veteran winning the Newcastle round of the Series to secure maximum points.
The five time Series champion cemented his place on top of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series ladder, now with two from three wins. Day showed experience counts in the brutal elimination format today, outclassing rising stars 19 year old Ethan Callaghan and 22 year old Sean Rielly.
“To get it done today is special. I was annoyed yesterday when I crossed the line [second place] but at the same time I was so happy for CJ [Brennan],” said Day.
“I knew going into today it was going to be hard, but the conditions suit me. They are kind of flat and you’ve got to work for it… I felt as each Ironman [race] went on I got a little bit better and better. When the opportunity came knocking I just grabbed it with both hands.
“I thought I had a bit more of a gap to be honest, when I turned the final can I could feel them breathing down my neck and because the waves are so unpredictable today you don’t know if guys were going to come through with momentum… I could feel Ethan chasing me, my legs were heavy.
“The feeling of knowing it’s my last year, I have no regrets… I wanted this one today and I’m happy to come away with the win,” he said.
Defending Ironwoman champion Lucy Derbyshire went one better from yesterday to win the third round and keep her chances of taking back to back Shaw and Partners Iron Series Ironwoman crowns alive.
Derbyshire delivered a consistent performance across all three races, with veteran Ironwoman Lizzie Welborn staging a strong comeback to keep her Series chances alive finishing second place and Emma Woods rounding out the podium.
“I’m so happy, I came so close yesterday with a sprint up the beach going wrong. A win is so hard to get and to get one today at Newcastle I’m so happy.
“I think there is always a bit of pressure wearing the number one [on her swimmers] but I always race best when I’m having fun and down here with my team and enjoying the racing… I feel like when you do that the results come with it,” said Derbyshire.
For full replays visit 10.com.au. The Shaw and Partners Iron Series will now move to Maroubra 10-11 January 2026.
Results Sunday 14 December
IRONMAN
- Ali DAY
- Ethan CALLAGHAN
- Sean RIELLY
- Finn ASKEW
- Ryley HARLAND
- Callum BRENNAN
IRONWOMAN
- Lucy DERBYSHIRE
- Lizzie WELBORN
- Emma WOODS
- Carla PAPAC
- Electra OUTRAM
- Analise KIBBLE
For full results ironseries.com.au/results/
Overall standings after two rounds
IRONMAN
- Ali DAY, 93 points
- Ethan CALLAGHAN, 73
- Finn ASKEW, 69
- Callum BRENNAN, 68
- Ryley HARLAND, 67
- Jackson BORG,63
IRONWOMAN
- Carla PAPAC, 86 points
- Lucy DERBYSHIRE, 84
- Electra OUTRAM, 81
- Tiarnee MASSIE, 67
- Dom STITT, 66
- Emma Woods, 52